9 ways to shop local for I Choose SA Day

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Fruchocs by the Mall’s Balls, anyone? We’re shining a spotlight on all things South Australian for I Choose SA Day (October 21) – your day to choose SA!

Back for its second year, it’s a chance to celebrate and support local businesses, service providers, and help foster jobs in the state. With more than 140,000 small businesses to choose from, there are thousands of ways to make an impact –spending just an extra $2.30 a week on food and beverages alone could translate to 600 new jobs.

To help you choose SA, we’ve highlighted just 9 ways you can shop and show some local love:

1. Wear your heart on your t-shirt
Nothing says ‘South Australia’ quite like a Balfours frog cake, unless it’s a t-shirt of a frog cake. Make like Cosi and wear one this I Choose SA day (ideally while eating also a cake).

2. Wear local
Fashion taste more on the designer end of the spectrum? The state is bursting with globally-recognised sartorial talent, as one look at Adelaide Fashion Festival will attest. Local label Acler dials up the glamour, making it the perfect choice for all spring’s parties, weddings, and races. If it’s good enough for Beyoncé…

3. Listen local
There are few things better in spring than your favourite venue, good friends, and great tunes. Kick back with a local brew at an SA institution like The Gov or The Lion.

4. Decorate local
Spring cleaning? Liven up your space with artwork from a local artist or designer– your walls will thank you. Browse Well Made online from the comfort of your sofa, or swing by Adelaide creative hubs like Jam Factory and Brick + Mortar.

6. Pamper like a local
Treat yourself with a spa date, massage, or SA-made skin care: good for your face, good for the state. Head to Gemma Vendetta for makeup, or sample the so-good-you-could-almost-eat-it-but-don’t-really bath products from Oh Deer Sugar.

7. Eat local
Free samples, weird fruit, mountains of cheese, the smell of espresso and sound of spruikers… yes, we’re talking the Central Markets, and we’re talking loading up on the freshest produce for less than a $20. It’s a spring picnic waiting to happen.

9. Get Fermented
Join the I Choose SA team at Ferment the Festival Friday 20 – Sunday 22. Swing by the I Choose SA stand to nab a tote bag jam-packed with local wares, including T-Bar tea, Johnny’s popcorn, Charlesworth Nuts, and Bickfords sodas to name a few. Limited edition I Choose SA t-shirts by SA artist Emma Hack will be also be available, as well as a festival-only competition.

Head over to I Choose SA for more ideas and the latest on the day’s activities.

Visit I Choose SA to find out how you can support our State by choosing South Australian businesses, products and services.